Co-operative funeral home to host cake-off comp in aid of Wessex Cancer Trust

The winners will receive special prizes sponsored by local businesses

A local funeral home in Portsmouth is running a cake-off competition to fundraise for Wessex Cancer Trust.

The Great Pompey Cake-Off Competition is open to all bakers, from those with extensive experience to those new to the baking world. The bake-off is being held by Southern Co-op’s funeralcare branch in North End and will feature special guest judges.

Funeralcare staff members have been restricted to tastings on the day itself and cannot enter the competition.

Nicki Button, funeral co-ordinator at North End, said: “We felt it was only right that we weren’t allowed to enter the competition ourselves – although I can’t say I am disappointed if it means that I get to sample more cakes.

“We wanted to hold another fundraiser for Wessex Cancer Trust as it is a local charity really close to my colleague’s heart as Emily was supported by the Trust when she was diagnosed with womb cancer in 2016.

“The charity is incredibly special as it enables people like Emily to make lifelong friends through their support groups.”

The competition will take place at Buckland United Reformed Church, in Kingston Road, North End, on Sunday, 5 May from 1pm to 4pm.

Youngsters will also be able to participate in a separate under 12s category.

To enter, competitors will have to pay £5 per cake. The winners will receive special prizes sponsored by local businesses. Shopping stalls and hot/cold drinks will also be available on the day.

Those interested can complete an entry form at the the Co-operative Funeralcare North End at 52 London Road or Wessex Cancer Trust Cosham Support Centre. More information on the event is available at [email protected] or 02392 662534. 

This is Southern Co-op’s third recent initiative designed to help those affected by cancer. Earlier in March the society made a £3,000 donation to the Football for Cancer tournament, which runs in Portsmouth, Southampton and Bournemouth.

Related: Southern Co-op donates £3,000 to cancer charity football tournament

Also in March the society’s East Devon Crematorium, near Exeter, helped Devon cancer charity CLIC Sargent with a £7,000 donation. The charity provides families of children diagnosed with Cancer with a free room in its Homes from Home centre near Bristol Children’s hospital.

Related: Southern Co-op supports families affected by cancer